Courtesy/NWS

Courtesy/NWS

NWS News:

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque reports that the first of two winter storms is now forecast to cross New Mexico late Monday through Tuesday morning.

Quick showers moving north through western New Mexico Monday morning will give way to more widespread showers through western New Mexico Monday afternoon. These will spread into the Rio Grande Valley and northern mountains by sunset. Snow levels quickly fall to valley floors Monday night.

Highest accumulations of 8-12 inches will focus along west-facing slopes of the northern mountains. High winds will enter across west-central and south-central New Mexico Monday night, spreading to eastern New Mexico by predawn Tuesday. Blowing snow will result, reducing visibility. Little to no break in the weather expected before the next much colder winter storm arrives Tuesday night.

Key Impacts

Snow packed and icy roads likely through western and northern New Mexico above 7,000. The most difficult winter driving conditions will focus through northern mountain passes. Blowing snow producing low visibility likely through northern mountains and Continental Divide Monday night. High winds with gusts up to 60 to 65 mph possible along the Continental Divide, and along and east of the central mountain chain.

Timing

The main period of snow begins Monday afternoon through western New Mexico, spreading to lower elevations of central and northern NM Monday night, ending most areas Tuesday afternoon. High winds begin Monday night into Tuesday morning, persisting mostly through eastern New Mexico through Tuesday afternoon.